Sunday, January 11, 2015

Fifteen Things for 2015

With the New Year, I was inspired to write a blog entry, something I haven’t done for a while. Then I couldn’t think of a topic, so I will just post some information and reminders about me and the house-call grooming service. Fifteen things for 2015!


  1. You are welcome to pre-book standing appointments, up to a year in advance. As I write this, there are already eleven appointments pre-booked for December 2015. Appointments are booking about four to six weeks in advance, so I highly recommend pre-booking as a way to avoid disappointment.
  2. Easter this year is Sunday, April 5th. It moves around, and sometimes catches folks by surprise. Christmas is December 25th every time, people. I can’t help you if you forget that one. I will be taking this year’s March Break as a holiday.
  3. I do my best to be on time, but I have to add this caveat. Due to the insane traffic and construction in the GTA, all appointment times have to be considered approximate. 11 a.m. has become 11-ish. I also will no longer drive in snow storms. People are maniacs.
  4. You may contact me via phone, text, email, Facebook message, Twitter, or Instagram. I will always reply to you via the same method you contacted me. Technology isn’t perfect, and neither am I (I once emailed an invite to my dentist to a family gathering), so if you haven’t heard from me within a couple of business days, please get in touch again.
  5. I don’t answer the phone while I’m grooming or driving but I will check messages between appointments.
  6. Payment is cash, cheque, or e-Transfer. I’m not interested getting into debit or credit transactions. I can always come back if you have forgotten to get cash, so long as it is just an occasional occurrence. You all know I’m pretty relaxed about that part, as several of you have chased me down the driveway waving funds because I’ve forgotten to get paid.
  7. I am pretty flexible and can groom your dog in nearly any location, provided there is a power source, and adequate light. That said, certain things do make it more difficult. A damp, cold location means that the drying process will take much longer. If the lighting is poor and I can’t see, that will affect the quality of the finished work. Try reading your vitamin bottle in certain light, you’ll see what I mean. Also, if events occur within the home that make me uncomfortable, I will be unlikely to return.
  8. I have strong People-Pleasing patterns and try to accommodate everyone and make them happy, so if I say no, be assured that I really can't say yes.
  9. I am not a veterinarian. I can not diagnose or give medical advice. I can only point out issues or behaviours with your dog that I think are unusual or cause for concern. I’ve seen a lot of dogs over the years, so I may have some applicable anecdote, but you should always check with your vet regarding any health issues.
  10. Your vaccine protocol is between you and your veterinarian. I do not require proof of vaccines before grooming your dog. Due to this policy, I will not be able to groom aggressive or biting dogs.
  11. I’m an old groomer. Did you know that at one time the average career life of a groomer was thirteen years? I’m at nearly twenty! I also crested a birthday hill with a zero in it last year and am now on the downward slope. I have a standing appointment with a massage therapist and a chiropractor so that I can move. I can no longer ignore it when I am ill and just carry on working, nor can I groom as much as I used to in a day. If I want to keep grooming until I’m eighty, I will have to pace myself. Not to mention, you really don’t want me bringing my germs to your house, sniffling all over your clean dog.
  12. I am not accepting new clients at this time. Thank you for all your referrals and for thinking of me. I will let you know when I can take on new customers.
  13. I often take photos of your dogs, purely for fun. Most people enjoy seeing photos of their dogs, all clean and tidy. I also have a few clients where my picture of the dog was the last photo taken before the little soul passed on. The pictures are always posted on the Pets Are People Too Facebook page. If you would like the original files, just let me know. If you don’t want photos of your dog either taken at all, or posted on Facebook, just let me know. I’ll be sad though, just saying.
  14. I currently own three dogs that were adopted from clients, given up for various reasons. I call them my little hand-me-downs. I am also listed in two wills as the beneficiary of their dogs, should the worst occur. I love your dogs like they were family. Although I honestly can’t keep adopting more dogs, if you are client and something should happen in your life and you can’t keep your pet, please let me know. I will do my best to help, and I am acquainted with several wonderful local rescues. Similarly, if you are looking to add a new family member, the rescue groups are a great place to start. If you would like to be involved with dogs but aren’t able to permanently add another to your household, most of the rescues are desperate for volunteers and foster homes. I also live about a five minute drive from the Humane Society of Durham Region. If you have any items that you would like to donate, I can pick them up from you and drop them off at the shelter.
  15. I only know the best people. I have been shown so much kindness and generosity over the years, and I am deeply grateful. Thank you for everything, and have a wonderful 2015.